Ruth Chepngetich Breaks Women’s Marathon World Record in Chicago
Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich made history on Sunday, obliterating the women’s marathon world record in Chicago with an astonishing time of 2:09:56. She became the first woman ever to break the 2:10 barrier, a monumental achievement that marks a new era in marathon running.
A New Era in Marathon Running
Chepngetich’s incredible performance shaved nearly two minutes off the previous world record of 2:11:53, set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in September 2023. This victory not only secured her third win in Chicago but also solidified her status as one of the greatest marathoners in history. However, it’s important to note that her new world record is still subject to the usual ratification procedure by World Athletics.
A Dream Realized
“I feel so great. I’m very proud of myself. This is my dream,” Chepngetich expressed after her record-breaking run. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I fought a lot, thinking about the world record. The world record has come back to Kenya, and I dedicate this world record to Kelvin Kiptum,” honoring her compatriot who set the men’s world record in Chicago last year and tragically lost his life in a road accident at the age of 24 in February.
Celebrating with the Crowd
After the race, Chepngetich celebrated her historic achievement by posing for photos and proudly holding the Kenyan flag aloft. She ran back down the finishing straight, soaking in the applause of the enthusiastic crowd. Chepngetich had come close to claiming the world record in 2022, missing it by just 14 seconds in Chicago, but this year she dispelled those memories with a blistering time that surpassed all expectations, as only nine athletes in the men’s race ran faster.
Dominating the Competition
By the 10-kilometer mark, Chepngetich had already surged ahead of her competitors, with only Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede managing to keep pace. In the end, Kebede finished in second place with a time of 2:17:32, almost eight minutes behind Chepngetich. Kenya’s Irine Cheptai rounded out the podium in third place, crossing the line just 20 seconds later.
Men’s Race Highlights
In the men’s race, Kenya’s John Koriri clinched victory, completing the course in 2:02:43, the second-fastest time ever recorded in Chicago, trailing only Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35 set last year. Ethiopia’s Huseydin Mohamed Esa finished in second place, just over two minutes behind Koriri, while Kenya’s Amos Kipruto took third with a time of 2:04:50.
Wheelchair Race Triumphs
In wheelchair racing, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug defended his title, winning the men’s race in 1:25:54 after an exhilarating sprint finish. Meanwhile, his compatriot Catherine Debrunner set a new course record of 1:36:21, dominating the women’s race and adding to Switzerland’s remarkable success.
